India to build the tallest Railway bridge in the world

July 17, 2014

Come 2016 and India will have the highest railway bridge in the world at a height of 359 metres (1,177 feet), surpassing the current highest one in China that is 274 metres tall. An engineering marvel that will be designed to endure high speed winds, as also seismic activities, the bridge is slated to be ready by 2016. The arch shaped bridge that is being built in Jammu and Kashmir over the Chenab River and will connect the mountainous J&K region and the railway line between Jammu and Baramulla will cut down the travel time considerably to six and a half hours from double the amount of time that it takes at present. The bridge will prove to be a boon to the locals and make transportation so much easier and contribute toward better economic development in the state.

This project was initiated in 2002 but was put on hold due to feasibility and other factors in 2008. It restarted in 2010 and is due for completion in end 2016. The inaccessibility of the region proves to be quite a challenge, as approach roads had to be built first to transport the 25,000 tonnes of steel to build this mammoth 1315 metres long bridge. "One of the biggest challenges involved was constructing the bridge without obstructing the flow of the river," a railway official said.

The project is being handled by Konkan Railways and other subsidiaries at an estimated cost of $92 million. Indian railway engineers have always been known for their knowledge and prowess and the building of this bridge only adds to their achievements.

Some fun facts about the tallest railway bridge in the world: When complete the bridge will be taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and five times taller than our very own Qutub Minar!